Monday, June 29, 2015

Many people are talking about the incredible healing power of eucalyptus, but few know the history of this miracle plant. We at Eurospa are committed to providing you with the highest quality eucalyptus products available for both home and spa use, and we believe that part of the experience is the knowledge of it. So, from us to you - the history of eucalyptus; nature's miracle plant. People have said that the eucalyptus tree is one of the most useful trees in the world. eucalyptus belongs to the same family as tea tree - (myrtacae family), and grows most abundantly in Australia. The word eucalyptus means ‘well-covered’ referring to the little plant cap that covers the flower before it buds. Tall and water-loving, Eucalyptus is one of the fastest growing trees in the world. It grows in damp marshy areas on moist land and clays, most often found in hilly countrysides or moist valleys in deep rich soils. In Australia, it was considered to be a ‘cure-all’ by the Aborigines, there are over 300 species and 700 varieties of eucalyptus. The trees have been used for everything from paper, to mulch, shade, fuel, hardwoods, wind breaking and malaria fighting. Its extensive root system absorbs vast amounts of water. It is due to this phenomenon that it has been intentionally planted in marshy, malaria infested areas in an attempt to dry up and purify the soil and air. Baron Ferdinand Von Muller, German botanist and explorer, suggested that the fragrance of the trees might even prove be antiseptic. In 1855 that the French government sent seeds to Algeria and consequently many of the disease ridden areas were converted to healthy dry ones. Eucalyptus oil was in huge demand during World War 1, as it was used to control a meningitis outbreak and for the influenza of 1919. Today the major eucalyptus producing countries include China, Spain, Portugal, South Africa, Russia, and Chile.With over 50 pounds of plant material needed for one pound of oil, eucalyptus was first distilled in 1788, when Doctors White and Cossiden used its oil in treating problems of the chest. The first works of the antiseptic and bacterial properties of the oil were published in Germany by Doctors Cole and Homeyer. They classified it as being "sudorific, a stimulant anti-catharral and astringent". It was prescribed for all respiratory system conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, coughs, and flu. The original oil introduced to Europe was was called 'Sydney peppermint' and quickly became popular. Traditional household remedies use both the leaves and oils for relief from respiratory ailments, feverish conditions, as well as for skin problems like burns, ulcers, and wounds.

Eucalyptus is one of the most universal and versatile of essential oils. Some of its many properties include analgesic, antiseptic, deodorant, expectorant, and vermifuge (anti-parasitic). The active therapeutic and principal constituent of the medicinal oils is 1,8-cineole. Eucalyptus has a predominately stimulating effect on the nervous system and therefore should assist those suffering from depression and lethargy. Known as a ‘stimulating’ expectorant due to its invigorating action on the mucus membranes, it is widely considered an effective remedy for respiratory ills. Additionally eucalyptus is used to relieve muscular aches and pains, in particular those of a ‘cold’ nature such as rheumatic pains. - Ananda ApothecaryAs you can see, eucalyptus has been widely used and studied by many cultures over the course of time, and the interest and information is only growing. We believe that experiencing Eucalyptus on a regular basis is essential for your physical health and total wellness. For more information on our home and spa products, visit us today at Eurospa!

Monday, June 8, 2015

Summer is a great time of the year to enjoy river fronts, camping and sparkling lakes. But when the bugs show up, it's frustrating, annoying and can be pretty painful.

Don't let mosquitos ruin your summer fun. Be prepared ahead of time with how to avoid these bites and how to treat them naturally and affectively.

Because our skin is so absorbent, it's important to consider what we put on it. Typical over the counter bug repellants are filled with toxic chemicals that - while they keep the bugs away, they also destroy your own cells. You deserve to know the natural ways to keep the bugs aways and treat them if they still happen to get past your barriers!

Most bugs, including mosquitoes, use their sense of smell to find their food. On a scientific note, did you know that mosquitos have sensory organs that are trained to find sources of carbon dioxide and lactic acid because these chemicals lead them to warm-blooded animals, like you and me. On top of that, there are many more (over 300) aromatic compounds that make up the human scent. Of all those compounds, 30 of them tend to have a masking effect. If any of those compounds are more prominent in your particular body, you will naturally be less noticeable to mosquitos. On the flip side, there are other compounds that work to attract the bugs to your scent... like a magnet. Ten percent of the population are mosquito magnets. Let's change that and help you become less interesting to them, shall we?

Prevention On the InsideSweat releases a lot of these compounds, so if you have the option to avoid exerting yourself, you'll attract less bugs. But that's hard, considering it's summer. So since sweating isn't as avoidable, stay cool and cleaned. If you want to exercise, try swimming, or taking a dip frequently to rinse off what you're putting out. FoodsGarlic offers a mild amount of protection through both the odor on your breathe as well as from through the sulfur compounds emitted from your skin. (May repel people though too!)Pass on the salt and potassium, as they increase the amount of lactic acid, which as mentioned above, attracts the bugs. Skip the sugary fruits- especially bananas - and go for cucumber, apples, watermelon, blueberries or green peppers. This way, you aren't missing out on fruit and don't have an itching fit afterwards!

Outside Prevention and Treatment 1. Citronella - found in many candles and natural bug repelling sprays

2. Marigold // Calendula - great as a lotion or found in candles3. Lavender - amazing multi purpose oil.. this one you should have regardless at all times. It's anti-microbial and a natural bug repellent. Just dab it on major body points to keep those blood suckers away.4. Peppermint - similar to lavender, this one is multi purpose. Keep it around to soothe upset tummies, headaches, to repel bugs and even to treat the bite if they DO get through!5. Eucalyptus - Our favorite multi-functional remedy, naturally makes the list. You can bring oureucalyptus oil shower mistalong for the trip and spray both your body, your tent and the area around you to keep the bugs away. They don't like the smell or taste of it at all, and you get the benefit of clearing your lungs out even more while breathing in the fresh mountain air!

I hope you found all of this helpful! Don't be at the mercy of itchy bug bites this summer. You deserve to have fun and relax. Remember to choose good foods and toxin-free natural remedies to keep those annoying bugs at bay! Eurospa wishes you a fun and bug free summer!

Monday, June 1, 2015

If your coffee isn't working, your exhaustion cab be very overwhelming and more frustrating. So you need a fix that works fast and efficiently.

First, a note about caffeine. Many times, we are so tired and quickly go for another coffee or soda, when the truth is, consuming too much caffeine can really burn out our adrenals. The adrenal glands regulate our alertness, our sleep cycles and metabolism. If they are burnt out, the domino effect can be very dangerous to the mind and body.

So it's important to have some quick and easy solutions for beating brain fog naturally, without caffeine burning out the adrenals.

Our solution? Eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil has a long list of health benefits, including respiratory health, muscle pain relief, immune system support and of course - an increase of energy!

One very important reason that many people use eucalyptus oil is that it creates a cooling and refreshing effect. Eucalyptus oil is a natural stimulant that removes exhaustion and mental sluggishness and rejuvenates the spirits of the worn down. It can also be effective in the treatment of stress and mental disorders.

Aside from mental exhaustion, eucalyptus essential oil is commonly used to stimulate mental activity and increase blood flow to the brain. Since the essential oil is considered a vasodilator by many, it means that it increases the blood flow around the body by relaxing the blood vessels and allowing more blood to circulate. Basically, more blood to the brain means more brain power, and eucalyptus essential oil is commonly employed in classrooms as a form of causal aromatherapy to increase student performance. Further, formal research must be done in this area, but all signs point to the positive correlation between brain function and eucalyptus essential oil.

One way that many people use to get the benefits of eucalyptus oil is to add it to baths, spas and saunas because of its refreshing and antiseptic attributes. Most of the benefits of eucalyptus essential oil can be accessed through the vapor, as well as topical application or ingestion. To keep it simple, we at Eurospa, have created a Eucalyptus Shower Spray for your happy and healthy convenience.

The use of eucalyptus oil in healing practices is increasing in popularity worldwide, because of it's many benefits and uses. It also blends well with many other essential oils including the essential oils of thyme, rosemary, marjoram, lavender, cedarwood, and frankincense.

We know you're tired. You deserve a healthy solution. We've made that for you. If you're ready to enjoy the benefits for yourself, click here. At Eurospa, your health is our priority and we're honored to be a part of it!